Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh says Tejas delays hurt the IAF and 36 to 40 fighter jets a year are needed
3 October 2026
Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh addressed a press conference on 3 October 2026, ahead of the 94th Air Force Day on 8 October.
He said the Indian Air Force must induct 36 to 40 aircraft a year so that its fighter squadrons do not fall below 30, against a sanctioned strength of 42.
He said the delay in Tejas Mk-1A deliveries from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited "is going to hurt us"; the 83-jet deal worth ₹48,000 crore was signed in February 2021 and no jet has been delivered yet.
India cleared a proposal in February 2026 to buy 114 Rafale jets from France under a government-to-government framework, and he hoped the MRFA deal could be signed in this financial year.
In plain words
MRFA Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft — The IAF programme under which 114 Rafale jets are proposed to be bought from France.
HAL Hindustan Aeronautics Limited — The public sector company that builds the Tejas for the IAF.